John Chuck Piecha

Piecha, John Chuck
July 5, 1927 - October 8, 2010
Longtime San Fernando Valley golf professional Chuck Piecha passed away October 3, 2010 in West Hills at the age of 83. Not only was Chuck a respected and revered instructor, but over his distinguished career, he held course records at Calabasas (64), Encino (63), and Rancho Del Valle (59).
Born in Peru, Ill., Chuck was a professional baseball prospect in the early Forties, but after four years in the Navy, he discovered two things that would change his life: California and Golf. He started his love affair with both at Wilshire Country Club in 1948, where he learned his craft under the renowned Ellsworth Vines. In 1957, Chuck accepted a position at Encino Golf Course, and six years later opened his own executive golf course, Golden Oaks, in Saugus, which thrived until it was destroyed by heavy flooding in 1967.
Those lacking Chuck's eternal optimism would likely be devastated by such a loss, but his cheery outlook was rewarded almost immediately, when Van Nuys Golf Course opened in 1968, and Chuck was offered the position of Head Golf Professional and Manager. Chuck thrived at Van Nuys, tutoring, mentoring, and instilling his love of the game into thousands of golfers until his retirement in 1998.
Chuck was - and will continue to be - a wonderful father to his daughter, Michelle Emard her husband Saul and his stepson David Haggerty and wife Molly, and a devoted grandfather to Reese, Zane, Charlie Moon, and River Emard, and Kassidy and Katie Haggerty. Also a friend to brother in law John Wayne, his son matthew< and grand daughter Teasure
Interment was private, but Chuck's friends and colleagues are invited to exchange Chuck Peicha stories and celebrate his joyous life on Saturday, October 16th at 2 p.m. at Michelle and Saul's home at 6616 Sedan Ave., West Hills, CA 91307. Please contact Saul Emard at 818.577.0780 with any questions.